Hydraulic brake system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A braking system includes a vehicle having a front brake and a rear brake. The system includes a moveable structure connected to a rear brake. The rear brake may be a hydraulic brake. When the rear brake is actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structure pressurizes hydraulic fluid in a tube which actuates a front hydraulic brake.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/612,166, “Hub and Disk Brake System and Apparatus”, filedFeb. 2, 2015, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,252,770 on Apr. 9, 2019,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application61/934,538, filed Jan. 31, 2014, and is a continuation-in-part ofpending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/513,141, filed Jul. 9, 2012,now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,215,243 on Feb. 26, 2019, which is a U.S.national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2010/060411, filed Dec. 15, 2010, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/638,944,filed Dec. 15, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,266 on Dec. 18,2012, and International Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060411 claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/411,405, filedNov. 8, 2010, all of which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties along with all other references cited in this application.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a brake system and method. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a brake system and methodfor a two-wheeled vehicle.

A two-wheeled vehicle is equipped with a brake system to slow or stopits moving by applying friction upon its wheels. A rider uses both handsto press two brake levers, fixed on the handlebar, to control a frontand rear brake of the two-wheeled vehicle. However, it would bedangerous if the rider presses either one of the brake levers too hardto make the vehicle's wheel to be locked by the front or rear brake. Itis uncontrollable and dangerous for a moving two-wheeled vehicle withone of its wheels being locked, e.g. the vehicle may skid on the ground.In the instance of a two-wheeled vehicle's tip over, the two-wheeledvehicle still moves with its front wheel being locked such that therider may fall over beyond a handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle when arear wheel comes off the ground by a sufficient height. For theforegoing reasons, there is a need for preventing a moving two-wheeledvehicle from a tip-over or a wheel being locked.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTON

A braking system includes a moveable structure connected to a rearbrake. The rear brake may be a hub brake or a disc brake. A cable to thefront brake is connected to the moveable structure. When the rear brakeis actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structurepulls the cable to actuate the front brake. The movement may include atranslation, rotation, or both.

In a specific embodiment, an apparatus includes a lever coupled to arear hub brake, a first cable clamp on the lever that secures an end ofa rear brake cable, an opposite end of the rear brake cable beingcoupled to a rear brake lever, and a second cable clamp on the leverthat secures an end of a front brake cable, an opposite end of the frontbrake cable being coupled to a front brake, wherein when the rear hubbrake is actuated by the rear brake lever, the lever rotates to pull thefront brake cable, thereby actuating the front brake.

In another specific embodiment, an apparatus includes a pivot point; abrake mount to attach a rear disc brake; and a lever arm extending awayfrom the pivot point and comprising a cable clamp that secures an end ofa front brake cable, an opposite end of the front brake cable beingcoupled to a front brake, wherein when the rear disc brake is actuated,the lever arm rotates about the pivot point to pull the front brakecable, thereby actuating the front brake.

In another specific embodiment, an apparatus includes a first link of alinkage and comprising a first joint, a second joint, and a front brakecable attachment end, wherein the second joint connects to a first tabon a bicycle frame and is between the first joint and the front brakecable attachment end; a second link of the linkage connected to thefirst joint and comprising a first mount, opposite the first joint, fora disc brake; and a third link of the linkage and comprising a fourthjoint and a second mount, opposite the fourth joint, for the disc brake,wherein the fourth joint connects to a second tab on the bicycle frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the inventivebraking system;

FIG. 2 illustrates bicycle having the inventive braking system accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a brake system according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a brake system according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a brake system according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate top views of a brake according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate top views of another brake according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate views of a slider assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate views of a guide according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate cross section views of the slider assembly andguide according to different embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate top views of another brake according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the slider assembly and guideaccording to a disk brake embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a rear view of a released brake and a second brakeactuator;

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of the released brake and the secondbrake actuator;

FIG. 28 illustrates the rear view of the actuated brake and second brakeactuator;

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the actuated brake and second brakeactuator;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the cantilever brake arm,slider assembly and guide;

FIG. 31 illustrates a rear view of the cantilever brake arm, sliderassembly and guide;

FIGS. 32-33 illustrate top views of a brake according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIGS. 34-35 illustrate top views of a brake coupled to LEDs according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 36-37 illustrate top views of a brake coupled to brake signaltransmitters according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates a side view of a brake signal transmitter and anelectronic shifting system;

FIG. 39 illustrates a side view of a rear hub brake;

FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of a rear hub brake used with anembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom view of a rear hub brake used with anembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of a rear hub brake used with anotherembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 43 illustrates a side view of a rear hub brake used with anotherembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 44 illustrates a side view of front disc brake being actuated in anembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 45 illustrates a side view of a rear hub disc brake used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 46 illustrates a side view of a rear hub disc brake used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 47A illustrates a side view of a rear hub disc brake used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 47B illustrates a side view of a rear hub disc brake used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 48A shows a side view of a rear disc brake caliper in a firstposition of a sequence in an embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 48B shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 48A ina second position of the sequence;

FIG. 48C shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 48A ina third position of the sequence;

FIG. 49A shows a side view of a rear disc brake caliper in a firstposition of a sequence in another specific embodiment of the inventivebraking system;

FIG. 49B shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 49A ina second position of the sequence;

FIG. 49C shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 49A ina third position of the sequence;

FIG. 50A shows a side view of a rear disc brake caliper in a firstposition of a sequence in another specific embodiment of the inventivebraking system;

FIG. 50B shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 50A ina second position of the sequence;

FIG. 50C shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 50A ina third position of the sequence;

FIG. 51A shows a side view of a rear disc brake caliper in a firstposition of a sequence in another specific embodiment of the inventivebraking system;

FIG. 51B shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 51A ina second position of the sequence;

FIG. 53C shows a side view of the rear disc brake caliper of FIG. 51A ina third position of the sequence;

FIG. 52 shows a side view of a rear disc brake caliper used with anotherembodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 53 shows a side view of a rear disc braking system used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system;

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of a rear disc braking system used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system; and

FIG. 55 shows a side view of a rear disc braking system used withanother embodiment of the inventive braking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in thedrawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. Withreference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed towards a brakesystem 10 that can be used for bicycles and other vehicles supported bymultiple wheels. The inventive braking system 10 that can include two ormore brake mechanisms 15, 19, 23, 27, 31 that are actuated by one ormore brake controls 11, such as hand brake levers or foot brake pedals.When the user squeezes the one or more brake levers or steps on the footbrake pedal, a first brake actuator 13 actuates the first brake 15. Thefriction force of a brake pad in the first brake 15 against a rotatingstructure then actuates a second brake actuator 17 coupled to the secondbrake 19 so that both brakes 15, 19 are engaged to slow or stop thevehicle. The first brake 15 that is directly controlled by the brakecontrols 11 can be any brake on a vehicle.

The inventive brake system can be used on any wheel supported vehiclehaving multiple brakes. For example, a two wheeled vehicle can include afront brake and a rear brake. The brake system on a three wheeledvehicle can include a front center brake, a left rear brake and a rightrear brake. Alternatively, a three wheeled vehicle can include a leftfront brake, a right front brake and a center rear brake. On a fourwheeled vehicle, the brake system can include a front left brake, afront right brake, a left rear brake and a right rear brake.

These brakes can be sequentially coupled in any order. For example, ifthe first brake 15 is the front brake, the brake control 11 can becoupled to the front (first) brake 15 by a front (first) brake actuator13 and the front (first) brake 15 can be coupled to the rear (second)brake 19 by a rear (second) brake actuator 17. Conversely, if the firstbrake 15 is the rear brake, the brake control 11 can be coupled to therear (first) brake 15 by a rear (first) brake actuator 13 and the front(second) brake actuator 17 can be coupled between the rear (first) brake15 and the front (second) brake 19. In other embodiments, the vehiclemay have left and right brakes. The first brake 15 can be the rightbrake and the second brake 19 can be the left brake.

It is also possible for the first brake to control multiple brakeactuators 17, 25. For example, a first (rear) brake 15 can be coupled toa second (front left) brake actuator 19 can control the second (frontleft) brake 19 and a third (front right) brake actuator 25 can controlthe third (front right) brake 27 of the vehicle. It is also possible toextend the number of sequential brakes. For example, the brake controls11 can actuate the first brake actuator 13 which is coupled to the firstbrake 15. The braking friction of the first brake 15 can actuate asecond brake actuator 17 coupled to the second brake 19. The brakingfriction of the second brake 19 can actuate a fourth brake actuator 21coupled to a fourth brake 23. Similarly, the braking friction of thethird brake 27 can actuate the fifth brake actuator 29 coupled to afifth brake 31. This sequential brake actuator configuration cancontinue to three or more brakes.

The following description is primarily directed towards a two wheeledbicycle in which the first brake is the rear brake and the second brakeis the front brake. However, these same designs and operating principlescan be applied to any multiple wheeled vehicle and the scope of theapplication is intended to cover the inventive braking system applied toall multiple wheeled vehicle configurations.

Normal bicycle brakes include two hand levers which are used toindividually control a front brake and a rear brake. A problem withexisting brake systems is that the bicycle rider must be careful whenapplying the brakes because if the front brake is locked, the stoppingforce can flip the rider off of the bicycle. There are severaltechniques for efficient braking on a two-brake bicycle. The one mostcommonly taught is the 25-75 technique. This method entails supplying75% of the stopping power to the front brake, and about 25% of the powerto the rear. Since the bicycle's deceleration causes a transfer ofweight to the front wheel, there is much more traction on the frontwheel. However, excessive front braking force can cause skidding of thefront tire which can cause the bike to flip forward over the front wheeland probably injury to the rider. Excessive rear braking force can causeskidding, but will not result in the bike flipping.

The present invention is directed towards a brake system and apparatuswhich allows the rider to quickly stop the bicycle or other vehicle veryquickly, but prevents the front wheel from locking up or being slowedtoo quickly. The brake system is also compatible with existing brakedesigns and can be produced in a very economical manner so that bicycleriders will not have to pay a significant amount of money for these veryimportant safety features. In an embodiment, the inventive brake systemcan be retrofitted onto existing bicycle brakes and in otherembodiments, the inventive brake system can be incorporated into thedesigns of the brakes.

With reference to FIG. 2, a bicycle having the inventive braking systemis illustrated. The bicycle 100 has a frame 101 on which a front wheel107 and a rear wheel 105 are rotatably mounted. In an embodiment, one ortwo brake levers 102 are fastened on a handlebar 103 and the lever(s)102 are connected to a rear brake actuator 140 which is coupled to arear brake 104. A front brake actuator 150 is coupled between the frontbrake 106 and the rear brake 104. The rear brake 104 can include one ortwo inventive brake pad assemblies. When the rear brake 104 is actuatedby the brake lever(s) 102 a portion of the rotating rear wheel 105 (orother braking surface) is compressed between two or more brake pads andthe friction generated by the direct contact of the brake pad with therotating braking surface slows the rotational velocity of the rearwheel. One or more of the brake pads in the rear brake 104 can includean inventive brake pad assembly. In response to the direct contactbetween the brake pads with the rotating braking surface, inventivebrake pad assembly actuates the front brake actuator 150 which causesthe front brake 106 to be applied to the front wheel 107 or other frontwheel braking surface. When the rear brake 104 is released, the brakepad assembly is pulled away from the rear wheel 105 and the brake padassembly releases the front brake actuator 150 which releases the frontbrake 106.

If the braking occurs quickly, the weight of the rider can shift forwardand the deceleration force applied by the front wheel 107 at the pointof contact with the ground can cause the rear wheel 105 to be liftedfrom the ground. This loss of surface contact will reduce or eliminatethe rotational force applied by the ground to the rear wheel 105.Because the actuation force applied to the front brake 106 isproportional to the rotational force of the rear wheel 105, the brakingforce applied to the front wheel 107 will also be reduced until the rearwheel 105 regains contact with the ground. The contact will generate arotational force to the rear wheel 105 and the inventive brake padassembly will be actuated again and apply more force to the front brake106. By automatically detecting the rotational force applied to the rearwheel 105 and adjusting the front brake 106 force proportionally, theinventive braking system and brake pad assembly prevents the front wheel106 from skidding which allows the rider to remain in control of thebicycle even if excessive braking forces are applied. Since the frontbrake 106 force is controlled to the rear wheel rotational force 105, arider can increase the braking force by moving as much body weight overthe rear wheel 105 as possible during braking. However, even if therider shifts his or her weight forward while riding, hard braking willnot cause the bicycle to stop in a manner that would flip the bicycleover the front wheel 107.

FIG. 3 illustrates a brake system according to one embodiment of thisinvention. The brake system can include a brake lever(s) 202, a firstbrake actuator 203, a first brake which can be a rim brake 206 a, a diskbrake 206 b or other type of brake, a second brake actuator 250 and asecond brake which can be a rim brake 206 a, a disc brake 206 b or anyother brake mechanism. When the brake lever 202 is squeezed, ittransfers a braking force to the first brake actuator 203 which appliesthe first brake 206 a or 206 b. The friction force of the brake padassembly in the first brake 206 a, 206 b transmits a braking force tothe second brake actuator which actuate the second brake 208 a or 208 b.

FIG. 4 illustrates a brake system according to another embodiment ofthis invention. The brake system may include two brake levers 302 a, 302b, a first brake actuator 309, a first brake 304, a second brakeactuator 350 and a second brake 306. In this embodiment, two brakelevers 302 a, 302 b are used to actuate the first brake 304. In anembodiment, the first brake actuator 309 can be a cable that can besplit into a first brake cable 309 a and a second brake cable 309 b.This configuration divides the first brake actuation force between thefirst brake cable 309 a and the second brake cable 309 b which arerespectively pulled by a first brake lever 302 a and a second brakelever 302 b. In this configuration, a rider may use both hands to applybrake forces on the two brake levers 302 a, 302 b to actuate the rearbrake 304.

However, the operator can still use either one of the two brake levers302 a, 302 b alone and individually to actuate the first brake 304. Whenthe first brake is actuated, the movement of one or more of the brakepads in the inventive brake pad assembly will actuate the second brakeactuator 350 which transfers a brake force to the second brake 306.Although, caliper brakes 304, 306 are illustrated, any other type ofbrake can be used.

In some embodiments, the brake actuators can be brake cables surroundedby brake cable housings. The brake actuators can be actuated by pullingthe cables through the brake cable housing, such that the brake cable isunder tension and the brake cable housing is under compression. Thebrakes can be actuated by either pulling the brake cables away from thebrake or pushing the brake cable housing towards the brake. Withreference to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, two brake levers 302 a and 302 ccan be coupled to a first brake actuator that includes a brake cable 309and a brake cable housing 310 that surrounds a portion of the brakecable 309. The brake lever 302 a, can be coupled to the brake cable 309such that when actuated, the brake cable 309 is pulled towards the brakelever 302 a and away from the first brake 304. The brake lever 302 c iscoupled to the brake cable housing 310. When the brake lever 302 c isactuated, the brake cable housing 310 is pushed towards the first brake304. Again, the brake levers 302 a, 302 c can be operated independentlyto actuate the rear brake 304. The friction force against one or more ofthe rear brake pads can actuate the second brake actuator 350 whichtransmits a brake force to the second brake 306 helping to stop thevehicle.

With reference to FIG. 6, a top cross sectional view of an embodiment ofa first brake 401 having the inventive brake assembly 414 isillustrated. The brake 401 can include a slider assembly 403 and a guide407 that are coupled to an arm 404 of the first brake 401. The brake padassembly 414 can include a slider assembly 403 that can slide within theguide 407. The brake 401 can be mounted around a portion of the firstwheel with the brake pads 402 aligned on opposite sides of a first wheelrim 411. When the vehicle moves forward, the upper portion of the rim411 also moves forward. The brake 401 can have two brake pads 402. In anembodiment, the brake pad 402 on the right side is coupled to a sliderassembly 403 that moves within a guide 407. The guide 407 can be coupledto a mounting rod 410 which is secured to the brake arm 404. The sliderassembly 403 can include a brake pad 402 which can be compressed againstthe rotating rim 411. The brake pad assembly 403 can also include alayer of lubricious material 412 such as Nylatron, Teflon, graphite orother low coefficient of friction and high compression strengthmaterials. Alternatively, the brake assembly 403 components can be madeof these low friction materials.

The orientation of the slider assembly 403, brake pad 402 and guide 407on the bicycle can depend upon the position of the brake 401 on thewheel. If the brake 401 is located on the upper half of the rim 411, thedescribed and illustrated positions are correct. However, if the brakeis on the lower half of the rim 411, the “front” and “back” of thebicycle can be reversed.

The slider assembly 403 can also be coupled to a second brake actuator.In an embodiment, the second brake actuator can be a cable 122 having anend fitting 124 which can have a stepped cylindrical design with a firstsmaller diameter and a larger end diameter. The fitting 124 can engagean open hole coupling mechanism 132 on the slider 403. The hole in thecoupling mechanism 132 can be slightly larger than the first smallerdiameter and smaller than the larger end diameter so that the fitting124 is securely connected to the coupling mechanism 132.

The guide 407 can have a feature that engages the end of a brake cable“noodle” 126 which is rigid section of tubing that functions as a lowfriction guide for the brake cable 122. In an embodiment, the guide 407can have a counter bored recess which has an inner diameter that isslightly larger than the outer diameter of the end of the noodle 126. Inother embodiments, the end of the noodle 126 can be inserted into aferrule that can be a metal or plastic piece that surrounds the outerdiameter and end of the noodle 126 and has a hole for the brake cable126 to protrude through.

The guide can also have a threaded mechanism that allows the brake pads402 of the second brake to be adjusted in the released state byeffectively controlling the length of the second brake cable housing128. In an embodiment, the brake cable housing 128 includes a barreladjuster which allows the user to effectively adjust the length of thecable housing 128. If the brake is too tight and additional clearance isrequired, the barrel adjuster is adjusted to effectively shorten thecable housing 128 length. Conversely, if the second brake is too loose,the barrel adjuster can be adjusted to effectively lengthen the cablehousing 128 length. The barrel adjuster can be located at any portion ofthe brake cable housing 128, including at the intersection with theinventive brake pad assembly. The brake pads 402 will rest close to thesecond rim if the cable housing 128 is lengthened and conversely, if thebrake cable 126 is shortened, the brake pads 402 on the second brakewill rest farther away from the rim 411 in the normal open position.

The other end of the noodle 126 opposite the side in contact with theguide 407 can be connected to an end of the brake cable housing 128. Theend of the noodle 126 can include an outer sleeve that surrounds theouter diameter of the cable housing 128 and an inner edge that engagesthe end of the brake cable housing 128. The noodle 126 can allow thebrake cable 126 to bend so that the brake cable can be directed in anydesired direction, preferably towards the second brake. In anembodiment, another noodle can be coupled to the second brake and usedto direct the brake cable 128 in the desired direction. The end of thebrake cable 128 can be secured to the second brake with a “pinch bolt”mechanism which surrounds and secures the brake cable 128 to the secondbrake. In other embodiments, noodles may not be necessary and the brakecable housing 128 may be in direct contact with the first brake guide407 and/or the second brake. The cable housing 128 can extend the entirelength of the brake cable 126 or only be used over one or more sectionsof the brake cable 126. For example, in many bicycles, the cable housing128 may be secured to stationary stops coupled to the ends of the toptube and the bare brake cable 128 may extend along or inside the toptube. If the second brake cable 128 is used to actuate a mechanicalfront disk brake, the second brake cable 128 can extend down an arm ofthe front fork.

The brake pad 402 on the left side of the rim 411 can be a normal brakepad. In an embodiment, the brake pad 402 is coupled to a threadedmounting rod 410 that extends away from the braking surface. The brakepad 402 can be secured to the brake arm 404 by tightening a nut 408 thatis screwed onto the mounting rod 410. In this configuration, the brakepad 402 coupled directly to the threaded mounting rod 401 remainsstationary relative to the arm 404 when the rear brake 401 is actuated.When the brake 401 is not actuated, the brake pads 402 are pulled awayfrom the rim 411 by springs in the brake 401. In other embodiments, thebrake pads can both have the inventive brake pad 414 assemblies.

With reference to FIG. 7, the first brake 401 is coupled to a brakeactuator which can be a brake lever(s). When the lever(s) is actuated,the inventive brake pad assembly 414 is pressed against the rim 411 ofthe wheel (or a rotating disk brake) coupled to the wheel to slow orstop the rotation. The rim brake pad 402 of the inventive brake padassembly 414 can have an elongated shape like a normal brake pad. Theslider assembly 403 and guide 407 are aligned with the brake pad 402 andrim 411 so that the movement of the slider 403 and brake pad 402 arealso aligned with the rim 411 of the wheel.

When the first brake 401 is actuated, the slider assembly 403 and brakepad 402 are pressed against the rotating rim 411 and the movement of therim 411 causes the slider assembly 403 and brake pad 402 to slideforward in the guide 407 towards the front of the bicycle. The couplingmechanism 132 is connected to the fitting 124 on the end of the brakecable 122. The movement of the slider assembly 403 will be greater thanthe spring force of the second brake and will cause the brake cable 122to be pulled in tension. The noodle 126 is coupled to the guide 407 andthe tension on the brake cable 122 will result in compression of thenoodle 126 and the brake cable housing 128. The brake cable 122 andhousing 128 are also coupled to the second brake. The movement of thebrake cable 122 within the housing 128 will actuate the second brake.

The brake cable 122 tension force can be proportional to the frictionforce of the brake pad 402 against the moving rim 411. A higher brakingforce applied to the first brake will result in a higher braking forceapplied to the second brake through the brake cable 122.

However, if the rim 411 loses traction with the road, the rim 411 maystop rotating and the friction force that creates the force that pullson the brake cable 122 and the brake force applied to the second brakeare reduced until the rim 411 regains traction and begins to rotateagain. Since the rim 411 may lose traction when excessive braking isapplied to the front brake the rear wheel is starting to lift off theground, this system effectively functions as an anti-locking brakesystem.

With reference to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the second brake actuatorcan be brake cable 122 in a brake cable housing 128. The brake cable 122can have an end fitting 124 which is attached to the guide 406 at acoupling mechanism 144. The end of the brake cable housing 128 can buttup against a tab 142 coupled to the slider assembly 405. This is similarto the brake pad assembly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, theaction is reversed since the brake cable 122 can be coupled to the guide406 and the brake cable housing 128 can be coupled to the slide assembly405. The compression of the brake cable housing holds the brake padassembly towards the back of the guide while the brake is in the openposition.

With reference to FIG. 9, when the first brake is actuated, the brakepad assembly 405 is pressed against the moving rim 411 and the frictionforce causes the brake pad assembly 405 to move forward. This movementcauses the brake cable housing 128 to be compressed. Although the guide406 and brake cable 128 may not move, the movement of the brake cablehousing 128 results in tension in the brake cable 122 which actuates thesecond brake. The pushing force on the brake cable housing 128 due tothe braking friction is greater than the front brake spring force, thebrake cable housing 128 is compressed and the front brake cable 122 ispulled in tension. If the rim 411 stops rotating due to a lack ofcontact with the road, the slider 405 and brake cable housing 128 willno longer be pushed forward. This reduced force in the brake cable 122and brake cable housing 128 will reduce the braking force on the secondbrake until the rim 411 regains traction on the road and starts rotatingagain. The brake configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may notrequire a noodle to direct the second brake cable 122 from the rearbrake to the front brake.

In an embodiment, the inventive brake pad mechanism assemblies can be adirect replacement for the existing brake pads. The brake pad can bevery similar to the known brake pads. FIGS. 10-14 illustrate differentviews of an embodiment of the slider assembly 403. FIG. 10 illustratesan inner side view, FIG. 11 illustrates a back view, FIG. 12 illustratesa top view, FIG. 13 illustrates a front view and FIG. 14 illustrates anouter side view of the slider assembly 403. Rather than being moldedaround a brake support structure or placed in a brake shoe, the brakepad 402 can be molded around a slider 403 which slides within a guide.In other embodiments, the brake pad 402 can be inserted into a brakeshoe that holds the brake pad in the required position on the sliderassembly 403.

The slider assembly 403 can include a slide portion 413 that engages acorresponding slot in the guide. In this embodiment, the slide portion413 can have a “T” shape. In other embodiments, the slide portion 413can be any other shape that can be held in a corresponding slot. Theslider assembly can also include an open hole coupling mechanism 132that can be securely connected to the brake actuator. Because the slideportion 413 is in physical contact with the guide, a film or sheet orthe entire slider can be made of a lubricious material such as:Nylatron, Teflon, graphite or other low coefficient of friction and highcompression strength materials can be attached to the sliding 451surface(s) of the slider 403 and/or guide. In other embodiments, theentire slide portion 413 or the slider assembly 403 can be made of alubricious material.

The coefficient of friction of the brake pad 402 sliding against the rimcan depend upon the brake pad 402 and rim materials. The rim can be madeof aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, titanium, steel, and other alloys.The brake pad 402 can be a plastic, rubber or other high coefficient offriction material that can molded around a slider 403 or attached in anyother suitable manner to a brake support structure. The brake supportstructure prevents the brake pad 402 from deforming while it iscompressed against the rim. The slider brake support structure and brakepad 402 can also be configured to apply uniform pressure to the contactareas where the brake pads contact the rim or other braking surface suchas a disk brake.

Different views of an embodiment of the guide 407 are illustrated inFIGS. 15-19. FIG. 15 illustrates an inner side view, FIG. 16 illustratesa back view, FIG. 17 illustrates a top view, FIG. 18 illustrates a frontview and FIG. 19 illustrates an outer side view of the guide 407. Theguide also has a groove 452 that the sliding portion of the sliderassembly moves within. The rear end of the guide 407 can include a slot454 and a recessed area 456 for holding an end of a noodle or a brakecable housing. The guide 407 can include a mounting rod 410 to securethe guide 407 to a brake arm. The rod 410 can be cylindrical and have asmooth surface. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the rod 410may be threaded. In other embodiments, any other type of attachmentmechanism can be used to secure the brake to the guide. For example, theguide 407 may have a threaded hole which allows a bolt to be screwedinto the hole to secure the guide to the brake. The assembled brake padassembly with the slider assembly 403 and the guide 407 can be similarin size to a conventional brake pad.

FIGS. 2-19 illustrate the slider as having an inverted “T” portion whichslides within a corresponding inverted T shaped groove formed in theguide. The sliding portions can be the lower flat portion of theinverted T as well as the surfaces of the guide that are closest to theslider. Each of these sliding surfaces can be used with a lubriciousmaterial to minimize the sliding friction. In other embodiments, anyother sets of sliding surfaces can be used as shown in the exemplarycross section illustrations. Various other configurations are availablefor the slider and guide as shown in FIGS. 20-22. FIG. 20 illustrates across section of an embodiment of the brake pad assembly having a guidewith a “T” cross section groove 460 and a slider assembly having acorresponding “T” shaped groove 465. FIG. 21 illustrates a guide 407having a tapered groove 461 and a slider assembly having a correspondingsliding portion 466. FIG. 22 illustrates a guide having a “V” groove 462and a slider assembly having a corresponding slider portion. Variousother slider groove combinations are contemplated.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, in other embodiments, it is alsopossible to apply the described rear brake assembly to a hydraulic brakesystem. Rather than a cable pulling system, the rear brake assembly canbe coupled to a hydraulic cylinder 471 filled with hydraulic fluid 475.The cylinder 471 can be coupled to the guide 407 and the slide assembly403 can be coupled to a piston rod 479 that is attached to a piston 473that can move within the cylinder 471. One end of the brake hydraulictubing 477 is coupled to a cylinder 471 and the opposite end is coupledto the second brake. With reference to FIG. 23, a spring in the secondbrake pressurizes the hydraulic fluid 475 pressing the piston 473towards the back of the cylinder 471. The hydraulic brake system can bea disc brake or a rim brake (cantilever, V-brake, etc.) In the normalposition, the brake shoe 402 is not in contact with the rim 411 or diskbrake.

With reference to FIG. 24, in the braking position the brake pads 402are pressed against the moving rear rim 411 or disk brake. The slider403 moves forward due to the friction of the brake pad 402 against therim 411. The slider 403 pushes the rod 479 and the piston 471 within thecylinder 471 pressuring the hydraulic fluid 475. The pressurizedhydraulic fluid 475 exits the cylinder 471 and flows through thehydraulic tubing 477 to actuate the second hydraulic brake. If the rim411 stops rotating due to a lack of contact with the road, the frictionforce and the force moving the slider 403 forward will decrease. Theforces on the piston 473 will decrease and the hydraulic fluid 475pressure will also decrease. This reduced hydraulic fluid 475 pressurein the hydraulic tubing 477 will reduce the braking force on the secondbrake until the rim 411 regains traction on the road and starts rotatingagain.

With reference to FIG. 25 an embodiment of the brake pad assembly 510 isillustrated. In many bicycles, hydraulic systems are used with diskbrakes. Because the disk brakes use a disk rotor 509 rather than a rimas the braking surface, the brake pad 502 can be any geometric shapethat provides sufficient surface area to stop the rotation of the diskrotor 509. Because the disk brake pad 502 is located much closer to thecenter of rotation, the radial position of the disk brake pad 502 mayshift as the slider 503 moves within the guide 507 if the path islinear. In an embodiment, the slider assembly 503 and guide 507 can beconfigured with an arched path that matches the disk rotor. Thisconfiguration may allow the disk brake pad 502 to maintain a constantradial position against the brake rotor 509 regardless of the positionof the slider assembly 503 within the guide 507. In the disk brakeembodiment, the second brake actuator can be a brake cable in a brakecable housing, a hydraulic system or any other braking mechanism thatcan be actuated by the movement of the slider assembly 503 in the guide507.

In other embodiments, the brake shoe slider assembly structure can beused for various other purposes. For example, the brake shoe sliderassemblies can be coupled to springs which can provide smoother brakingactuation. In this embodiment, both brake shoes of a brake mechanism canhave brake shoe/slider assemblies that move within guides on oppositesides of the rim. In the normal open position, the springs are fullyextended and the sliders are towards the back of the guides. When thebrake is actuated, the brake pads are compressed on opposite sides ofthe rim and the brake pad/slider assemblies are moved in the guides tocompress the springs. This spring motion can provide more uniformbraking. If there are rough spots on the rim, the brake pad will have ahigher coefficient of friction and tend to compress the spring more. Ifthere are smoother sections of the rim, the coefficient of friction willdecrease and the spring can expand. The compression of the spring willtend to absorb the braking force and the spring extension will tend torelease the braking force. The overall effect is a smoother braking feelfor the rider.

FIGS. 26 and 28 respectively illustrate a rear cantilever brake and atransmission device according to another embodiment of this invention.FIG. 26 illustrates the rear view of a cantilever brake in the openposition with the brake pads 907 a, 907 b away from the wheel 905. FIG.28 illustrates the rear cantilever brake in the actuated position withthe brake pads 907 a, 907 b against the wheel 905. In this embodiment, atransmission device is also integrated into the cantilever type brake. Arear cantilever brake 904 can include two brake arms 904 a, 904 b andthe second brake actuator brake assembly 906 can be integrated intoeither one or both of the two brake arms 904 a, 904 b. The brake arm 904a can be pivotally connected with a seat stay 901 a which is part of thebicycle frame and the brake arm 904 a can rotate about a pivot axis 903a. The brake arm 904 b can be pivotally connected with a seat stay 901 band the lower end can rotate about a pivot axis 903 b. A first brakeactuator can be a first brake cable 908 that slides within a noodle 909.The first brake cable 908 can be coupled to the first brake arm 904 aand the noodle 909 can be coupled to the second brake arm 904 b by abracket 909 a. When actuated, the brake arms 904 a, 904 b are squeezedtowards each other and this inward rotation actuates their respectivebrake pads (907 a, 907 b) to be pressed against the rear wheel 905. Thebrake arms 904 a, 904 b can each be coupled to springs which rotate thebrake arms 904 a, 904 b away from the wheel 905 as illustrated in FIG.26 when the first brake cable 908 is not actuated by a brake lever.

With reference to FIG. 28, when the first cantilever brake 904 isactuated, the two brake arms 904 a, 904 b are pulled towards each otherby the movement of the brake cable 908 and the noodle 909, such thattheir respective brake pads 907 a, 907 b are pressed against the wheel905 to slow the rotation of the wheel 905. The second brake actuatordevice 906 can consist of a guide 906 a and a slider 906 b. The frictionforce of the brake pad 907 a against the rotating wheel 905 causes theslider 906 b to move within the guide 906 a to move the second brakeactuator. When the brake lever is released, the two brake arms 904 a,904 b of the first cantilever brake 904 return to their respective openpositions as illustrated in FIG. 26 by the torsion spring force.

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of the rear cantilever brake and thetransmission device as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 29 illustrates sideviews of the first brake and the second brake actuator as illustrated inFIG. 28. An operation mechanism of the rear cantilever brake's righthalf is further described below with reference to FIGS. 27 and 29. Inthe illustrated embodiment, an L-shaped bracket 910 can be secured tothe brake arm 904 a and an opposite end of the bracket 910 can becoupled to the second brake actuator which can be a brake cable housing911 which surrounds the brake cable 911 a. The brake cable 911 a can becoupled to the slider assembly 906 b and the brake pad 907 a can be acomponent of the slider assembly 906 b. The slider assembly 906 b can beslidably connected to the guide 906 a which allows the slider assembly906 b to slide along a direction 920. The direction 920 is generally inparallel with the pivot axis 903 a.

When the second brake actuator 906 is not actuated as illustrated inFIG. 27, the brake pad 907 a is not in contact with the wheel 905 andthe brake cable 911 a is not pulled by the slider assembly 906 b toactuate a second brake. In an embodiment, the first bake can be the rearbrake and the second brake can be the front brake 106 of a bicycle asillustrated in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 29, when the second brake actuator 906 isactuated, the second brake cable 911 a is pulled by the slider assembly906 b due to the friction of the brake pad 907 a against the wheel 905.The second brake cable 911 a can be coupled to a second brake which isactuated by the pulling of the second brake cable. When the first brakeis released and the second brake actuator 906 is released, the sliderassembly 906 b is pulled by the brake cable 911 a towards the brakecable housing 911 and the second brake actuator returns to an originalposition as illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a slider assembly 906 b, guide906 a and brake arm 904 a and FIG. 31 illustrates a front view of theslider assembly 906 b, guide 906 a and brake arm 904 a. As shown in FIG.31, the brake pad 907 a is secured to the slider assembly 906 b and theguide 906 a is fastened to the brake arm 904 a. The slider assembly 906b and brake pad 907 a are slidably connected with the slider guide 906a. The guide 906 a can have two stop members (906 a ₁ and 906 a ₂) thatrestrict the movement of an extension member 906 b ₁ of the sliderassembly 906 b such that the slider assembly 906 b may only slide backand forth along the direction 920 within a limited region of the guide906 a. With this limited movement region, the slider assembly 906 b maynot overly pull the brake cable 911 a beyond a predetermined range ofmotion.

The guide 906 a and slider assembly 906 b can be made from metallicmaterials, which could provide low friction sliding surfaces. In anembodiment, the slider assembly 906 b is made from brass or other alloyof copper, and the slider guide 906 a is made from bronze or other alloyof copper. The guide 906 a may be oil-impregnated such that the sliderassembly 906 b can be slid along the slider guide 906 a with an even lowfriction. In other embodiments, the guide 906 a and slider assembly 906b can be made from high strength lubricious plastic materials.

In other embodiments, various other functional mechanisms can be coupledto the inventive brake pad, slider and guide assemblies. With referenceto FIGS. 32 and 33, an embodiment of the brake pad assembly includessprings 381 that resist the movement of the slider assemblies 383 in theguides 385 during braking. FIG. 32 illustrates the brake 380 in the openposition with brake pads 402 pulled away from the rotating rim 411. FIG.33 illustrates the brake 380 in the braking position with the brake pads402 pressed against the rotating rim 411. The friction force of thebrake pads 402 against the rim 411 causes the springs 381 to becompressed. The spring movement can prevent the brake 380 from lockingup the rotating rim 411 if the rider actuates the brake 380 with toomuch force. The compression of the springs 381 can smooth the brakingforces applied to the rim 411.

In still other embodiments, the inventive system can be used for otherpurposes. For example, with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35, the system canbe a component of an electrical system. A piezo electric mechanism 391can be coupled to the slider assembly 393 and guide 395. The piezoelectric mechanism 391 can produce electricity when compressed. An LED397 can be coupled to the piezo electric mechanism 391 by electricalconductors 396 such as wires. In the open position illustrated in FIG.34, the brake pads 402 are away from the rim 411 or disk and the piezoelectric mechanism 391 does not produce electricity and the LED 397 isnot illuminated. With reference to FIG. 35, the slider assembly 393compresses the piezo electric mechanism 391 which generates electricitywhich can be coupled to the LED 397. The LEDs 397 may face towards theback of the bicycle so that when the bicycle brakes are applied, theilluminated red LEDs can indicate that the bicycle brakes are applied.

With reference to FIG. 34, in other embodiments, the slider 393 can becoupled to a switch 392 and a battery 394. When the brake is open, theswitch 605 can be open and the battery 394 can be disconnected from theLED 397 which will not be illuminated. With reference to FIG. 35, whenthe brake is actuated, the braking can cause the brake pad 402 to closethe switch 392 which can connect the battery 394 to the LED 397 whichthen produces light. In an embodiment, the LEDs 397 can be red in colorand may be facing the back so they are visible to people behind thebicycle. The illuminated red LEDS can indicate that the bicycle isbraking. In other embodiments, the LED can be white or any other colorand can be pointed in any direction. The system can be used as asupplemental power source for the headlight. When the brakes areapplied, the piezo electric switch can increase the power output of aheadlight. Thus, when riding normally, the lights can be lower and whenthe brakes are applied, the light power can be increased for highervisibility at a stop sign or during braking.

In an embodiment with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the inventive brakesystem can be coupled to a brake signal transmitter 399. The piezoelectric mechanism 391 can be coupled to a brake signal transmitter 399.With reference to FIG. 38, when the brake is open, the piezo electricmechanism 391 does not produce electricity and the brake signaltransmitter 399 may not transmit an output signal. With reference toFIG. 39, when the brakes are applied, the piezo electric mechanism 391can be compressed and emit an electrical signal which is used by thebrake signal transmitter 399 to emit a brake signal.

In other embodiments, the brake signal transmitter 399 can be connectedto an electrical switch 392, a power supply 394 and brake signaltransmitter 399 which can be an RF transmitter or any other signaloutput device. With reference to FIG. 36, when the brake is open, theelectrical switch 392 is disengaged and the electrical power is nottransmitted from the power supply 394 which can be a battery to thebrake signal transmitter 399. With reference to FIG. 37, when the brakesare actuated, the brake pad 402 can actuate the switch 392 causingelectrical power to be transmitted from the power supply 394 to thebrake signal transmitter 399.

In other embodiments, the brake signal can be coupled to an electronicgear shifting system. With reference to FIG. 38, a bicycle gearingsystem 500 is illustrated. Bicycles typically include multiple gearsthat control the ratio of pedal rotation of a crank 501 to rear wheel411 rotation. Lower gears provide lower rotation of the rear wheel 411per each crank 501 rotation and higher gears provide a higher rotationof the rear wheel 411 per crank 501 rotation. The number of gearsavailable is typically the number of gears on a rear cluster 507 that iscoupled to the rear wheel 411 times the number of gears 509 on a frontcrank 501. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear cluster507 can have 5-11 gears and the front crank 501 can have 2 or 3 gears. Abicycle having a 5 gear rear cluster 507 and a three gear crank 501 willhave a total of 15 gears. A chain 511 can run over any combination ofthe front and rear gears to provide different gearing to the bike. Bychanging the position of the chain 511 on the rear cluster 507 and thecrank 501, the rider can change the rotational ratio of the cranks andthe rear wheel. In an embodiment, the rider can select a gear through ashift controller 503 and the electronic system 505 will shift the chain511 to the selected gears by adjusting a front derailleur 513 and a rearderailleur 515. However, in order to properly shift gears, the ridermust be pedaling since shifting of the chain 511 cannot occur when thecrank 501 is not rotating.

The rider is typically not pedaling when the brakes 104 are applied. Thebrake can be coupled to a brake signal transmitter 399 which cantransmit a brake signal to the electronic system 505 when the brakes areapplied. The brake actuation signal can indicate that the crank 501 isnot rotating and the electronic system 505 should not attempt to shiftthe gears by controlling the front derailleur 513 or the rear derailleur515. In an embodiment, the electronic system 505 can delay the shiftuntil the brakes have been released and the brake signal transmitter 399does not emit the brake signal.

In other embodiments, the inventive braking system 500 can be used withan electronic gear shifting system that can be configured to adjust thegearing ratio lower for hills and slower riding speeds and increasegearing ratio for descents and faster riding speeds. The application ofthe brakes can be used as a gear shift signal to automatically makeadjustments to the gear ratio. For example, when a rider is braking on aflat section and the rider applies the brakes, this braking is usuallyin response to a stop sign or light. If the rider slows his or her speedsignificantly, the electronic shifting system can adjust the gearing tobe lowered so that the rider will be able to pedal the bicycle from astopped position. It can be very difficult to start moving a bicyclethat is in a high gear when the bicycle is stationary.

In an embodiment, it may be possible to shift gears based upon theactuation and duration of the braking. If the brakes are applied thesystem may downshift and the number of gears shifted may be proportionalto the force and duration of the braking. A long and hard braking cancause the gears to shift to a lower gear so that the rider can be in alow gear when pedaling resumes. Thus, a short and light brake actuationmay result in a single lower gear shift. In contrast, a longer andharder brake actuation may result in a multiple gear shift to asignificantly lower gear. In an embodiment, it may be possible totransmit signals to the shift mechanism through the brake levers. Forexample, the decrease in the gear shift can be indicated by the numberof brake taps, two taps of the brake lever can result in downshifting bytwo gears. Similarly, five taps of the brake lever can result in a fivegear downshift.

After the inventive brake pad assemblies have been used for asignificant period of time, the brake pads will need to be replaced. Inan embodiment, the present invention can be directed towards the repairkit for the brake pad assembly 403 illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. If theonly worn component is the brake pad 402, a basic repair kit may onlyinclude the brake pad 402. The user can remove the worn brake pad 402from the slider assembly 403 and attach the new brake pad 402 to theslider assembly 403. In some embodiments, a fastener such as a screw maybe used to secure the brake pad 402 to the slider assembly 403.

In other embodiments, the brake pad 402 may be integrated into theslider assembly 403 and when the brake pad 402 needs to be replaced, theslider assembly 403 may also be replaced. In this embodiment, the repairkit may include the slider assembly 403 that includes the brake pad 402.If the actuation of the brake pad assembly 403 has worn the slidingportions of the guide 407 (illustrated in FIGS. 15-19), a repair kit caninclude both the slider assembly 403 and the guide 407. It is alsopossible that the lubricious material may need to be replacedperiodically. The brake pad assembly may include some spare slidingsurface materials which can be used as replacement parts.

FIGS. 39-52 show various specific embodiments of a hub and disk brakesystem and apparatus. The inventive brake system and apparatus arerelated to an anti-locking system for bicycles and other wheeledvehicles such as motorcycles. In an embodiment, the brake systemincludes a rear wheel hub type brake. With reference to FIG. 39, a rearhub brake 4100 is illustrated that can include an axle 4105 that extendsthrough the rear brake hub and secures the rear hub to the rear dropouts 4110 of the bicycle frame 4115, a hub brake mechanism 4120 that isat the center of the rear wheel that rotates around the rear axle, abrake arm 4130 on the left side of the hub brake that does not rotateand is coupled to the left chain stay 4135 of the bike frame and a brakeactuator 4140 which is coupled to a rear brake cable 4145. When the rearbrake cable is tensioned, the actuator is pulled forward and the hubbrake is actuated.

As discussed in copending patent applications assigned to the applicant,the basic principle of the anti-locking brake system is that the useronly actuates the rear brake and a front brake actuator is coupleddirectly between the rear brake and the front brake. Thus, the user doesnot have the ability to independently actuate the front brake. When therear brake is actuated, the friction force between the rear tire and theground actuates the front brake actuator which causes the front brake tostop or slow the front wheel.

With reference to FIG. 40 a side view of a rear hub brake 4200 used withthe inventive system is illustrated. The rear brake cable 4205 and rearbrake cable housing 4210 are coupled to a rear brake actuator 4215 suchthat when the rear brake cable is tensioned, the rear brake is actuated.However in this embodiment, the rear hub lever is connected to the frontbrake cable 4220 having front brake cable housing 4221 but is notconnected to the left rear chain stay 4225. Thus, the friction force ofthe rear brake causes the rear brake hub to rotate counter clockwise andthe movement of the rear brake lever tensions the front brake cable. Ifthe rear tire skids, tension on the front brake cable will be reducedwhich will release the tension on the front brake cable preventing thefront brake from locking.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41, the rear brake cableextends through a noodle 4230 that is attached to the bottom of thebottom bracket 4235. The noodle is attached to a load bearing strap 4240which is secured around the down tube 4245 so that tension on the frontbrake cable will not cause the noodle to move relative the frame andbottom bracket. The noodle may also be attached to the left chain stayso that the back portion of the noodle is held in alignment with therear brake lever and away from the rear tire and wheel. There can be analignment strap 4242 to facilitate the alignment with the rear brakelever.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the rear brake lever 4410 willrotate within a limited range. If the rear brake lever rotates too far,it will hit a stop 4415 that will prevent further rotation. The stop canbe a structure coupled to the rear portion 4420 of the left chain stay4425. If the front brake cable 4430 breaks, the rear hub may continue torotate counter clockwise and the rear brake may no longer function.Thus, the stop prevents the failure of both the front and rear brakes inthe event that the front brake cable breaks or becomes disconnected fromthe front brake.

FIG. 43 illustrates another embodiment of the rear hub brake system. Therear brake cable 4505 and housing 4510 extend under the left rear chainstay 4515 and actuates the rear hub brake 4520. When the rear brake isactuated the friction of the rear tire 4525 against the ground causesthe rear hub brake lever 4530 to rotate counter clockwise. The frontbrake cable 4535 is coupled to the hub brake lever and the front brakehousing 4540 is coupled to the left chain stay. The front brake cableand front brake cable housing may be approximately perpendicular to thechain stay. The movement of the hub lever tensions the front brake cableand compresses the front brake cable housing which actuates the frontbrake 4605 shown in FIG. 44.

In the hub brake embodiment, the rear hub lever must rotate within alimited range. This component may normally be rigidly coupled to therear dropouts of the frame. The rear hub may need to be modified with athrust bearings or bushings that allow for low friction rotation betweenthe dropouts and the hub brake.

In a specific embodiment, there is a lever or rear hub brake lever. Thelever is connected to the rear hub brake. There is a first cable clamp4545 on or at an end the lever that secures an end of the rear brakecable. An opposite end of the rear brake cable is connected to a rearbrake lever. This specific embodiment further includes a second cableclamp 4550 on the lever. The second cable clamp secures an end of thefront brake cable. An opposite end of the front brake cable is connectedto a front brake. When the rear hub brake is actuated by the rear brakelever, the lever rotates to pull the front brake cable, therebyactuating the front brake.

There can be a first cable stop 4555 on the lever. The first cable stopmay include a socket, and an opening. The socket receives an end of arear brake cable housing for the rear brake cable, and the rear brakecable passes through the opening to the first cable clamp.

There can be a second cable stop 4560 connected to the left chain stayof the bicycle having the rear hub brake. The second cable stop includesa socket, and an opening. The socket receives an end of a front brakecable housing, and the front brake cable passes through the opening tothe second cable clamp.

The lever may be permitted to rotate about the rear hub brake to actuatethe front brake. The lever may be permitted to rotate within a limitedrange to actuate the front brake. The lever may rotate in a counterclockwise direction to pull the front brake cable. The front brake mayinclude a disc brake.

In other embodiments, a similar anti-locking braking system can be usedin a disk brake configuration. With reference to FIG. 45, a rear portionof a bike is illustrated with a rear disk brake 4705. The rear diskbrake is mounted on a rear brake structure 4710 that rotates about apivot point 4715 around the rear hub so that any counter clockwiserotation will keep the brake in proper alignment with the rear disk. Therear brake structure can include threaded mounting holes 4720A and 4720Bfor the rear disk brake and a lever arm 4725 that can extend under theleft rear chain stay 4730. FIG. 46 illustrates a more detailed view anembodiment of the rear brake structure 4805, rear hub 4810, rotor 4815,and rear disk brake 4820. The front brake cable can be coupled to thelever arm and the front brake housing can be coupled to the chain stayor other portion of the frame. When the brakes are not actuated thelever arm can be close to the rear chain stay and the front brake cableis not tensioned. When the rear brake is actuated, the rear brakestructure will rotate counter clockwise 4825 relative to the frame abouta pivot point 4830 and the lever arm will move away from the chain stay.This rotation of the lever will tension the front brake cable andcompress the front brake cable housing. The front brake tension willactuate the front brake. If the rear wheel loses contact with theground, the rear brake structure will be able to rotate clockwise andthe front cable tension will be relieved which will prevent the frontbrake from locking the front wheel.

In a specific embodiment, a braking device includes a pivot point, abrake mount to attach a rear disc brake, and a lever arm extending awayfrom the pivot point. The lever arm includes a cable clamp 4733. Thecable clamp secures an end of a front brake cable 4735. An opposite endof the front brake cable is connected to a front brake. When the reardisc brake is actuated, the lever arm rotates about the pivot point topull the front brake cable, thereby actuating the front brake. There canbe a cable stop connected to a left chain stay of a bicycle. The cablestop may include a socket, and an opening. The socket receives an end ofa front brake cable housing, and the front brake cable passes throughthe opening to the cable clamp.

When the rear disc brake is actuated, the rear disc brake rotates aboutthe pivot point. In a specific embodiment, the pivot point is in-line orconcentric with a center axis of a rear hub. In another specificembodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 47A and discussed below, thepivot point is away or offset from a center axis of a rear hub. The reardisc brake may include a hydraulic disc brake. Alternatively, the reardisc brake may include a cable-actuated disc brake.

FIG. 47A illustrates another embodiment of the rear disk brake system.In this embodiment, the rear brake structure 4903 is coupled to a pivotpoint 4905 on the left chain stay 4910 which is away from the centeraxis 4915 of the rear hub 4917 and may be a less complicated rotationalbearing. The pivot point may be brazed or welded-on. The rear hub issecured in the frame dropouts 4918 which may be horizontal dropouts orvertical dropouts. The rear brake structure 4903 can include threadedmounting holes 4925A and 4925B for the rear disc brake 4930 and a leverarm 4935 that can extend under the left rear chain stay. An adjustablemechanical advantage can be provided based on, for example, a length ofthe lever arm. The rear disc brake may be a conventional hydraulic ormechanical disc brake. The front brake mechanism and front brakeactuation can be substantially the same as described above withreference to FIG. 45.

The rear brake can be actuated by either cable tension, hydraulic fluidpressure or any other suitable actuation means. Friction between theground and the rear wheel can tension the front brake cable 4940 andcompress the front brake cable housing 4945 which can actuate the frontbrake. However, it is also possible for the rear brake structures to becoupled to a hydraulic cylinder so that counter clockwise movement ofthe rear wheel from the friction between the ground and the rear wheelcan increase the front brake hydraulic brake pressure to actuate thefront brake as illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 of InternationalApplication Publication No. WO2011075502 which is hereby incorporated byreference.

Although the front brake is only illustrated in FIG. 44 as a disk brake,it can be any type of cable actuated brake including: hub, cantilever,caliper, disk, or any other brake that is actuated by the tensioning ofa front brake cable and the compression of the front brake cablehousing.

FIG. 47B illustrates another embodiment of the rear disk brake system.In this embodiment, a rear brake structure 4950 is connected to a centeraxis of the rear hub. A disc brake caliper 4955 is mounted to the rearbrake structure. The rear brake structure is permitted to rotate aboutthe center axis. For example, when the rear brake is actuated to reducethe bicycle's speed, the rear disc caliper will rotate (along with therear brake structure) in a counter clockwise direction as shown by anarrow 4960. An end of a front brake cable may be connected to a portion4965 of the rear brake structure to actuate the front brake.

FIGS. 48A-48C show a sequence of side views of a rear disc brakingsystem having a mechanical linkage 5003 in another specific embodiment.The mechanical linkage includes an assembly of bodies connected tomanage forces and movement. In a specific embodiment, these forces andmovements are from the actuation of the rear brake and result in theactuation of the front brake.

More particularly, FIG. 48A shows the linkage in a first position. FIG.48B shows the linkage in a second position. FIG. 48C shows the linkagein a third position. As shown in FIG. 48C, in this specific embodiment,the linkage includes first, second, and third links 5005A, 5005B, and5005C. The second and third links include disc brake mounts 5010A and5010B upon which a disc brake 5015 can be attached. The first and thirdlinks include joints 5020A and 5020B, respectively, which may be used tosecure the linkage to the bicycle frame. An end 5025 of the first linkmay be connected to an end of a front brake cable. An opposite end 5030of the first link is connected an end of the second link.

In a specific embodiment, the actuation of the rear brake causes thedisc caliper to move in a counter clockwise direction as indicated by anarrow 5035 (FIG. 48B). In particular, the first link rotates 5040 aboutjoint 5020A and the third link rotates 5045 about joint 5020B. As shownin FIG. 48C, end 5025 of the first link then moves in a direction 5050which actuates the front brake such as by pulling the front brake cableconnected to end 5025.

In a specific embodiment, a device includes a first link of a linkageand including a first joint, a second joint, and a front brake cableattachment end. The second joint connects to a first tab on a bicycleframe and is between the first joint and the front brake cableattachment end. There is a second link of the linkage connected to thefirst joint and including a first mount, opposite the first joint, for adisc brake. There is a third link of the linkage and including a fourthjoint and a second mount, opposite the fourth joint, for the disc brake.The fourth joint connects to a second tab on the bicycle frame.

FIGS. 49A-49C show a sequence of side views of a rear disc brakingsystem having a mechanical linkage 5103 in another specific embodiment.FIG. 49A shows the linkage in a first position. FIG. 49B shows thelinkage in a second position. FIG. 49C shows the linkage in a thirdposition. As shown in FIG. 49A, in this specific embodiment, the linkageincludes a first link 5105A, a second link 5105B, and a third link5105C. The second link is connected between the first and third links.The third link includes disc mounts 5110A and 5110B for attaching a discbrake 5115. A joint 5120A on the first link is connects the linkage to afirst disc tab on the bicycle frame. A joint 5120B on the third linkconnects the linkage to a second disc tab on the frame. An end of afront brake cable may be connected at a point 5125 on the first link.

In a specific embodiment, the actuation of the rear brake causes thedisc caliper to move in a counter clockwise direction as indicated by anarrow 5130 (FIG. 49B). In particular, the third link rotates 5135 (FIG.49B) about joint 5120B and the first link rotates 5140 about joint5120A. As shown in FIG. 49C, point 5125 on the first link at which theend of a front brake cable may be secured moves in a direction 5145 toactuate the front brake such as by pulling the connected front brakecable.

In a specific embodiment, a device includes a first link of a linkageand including a first joint, a second joint, and a front brake cableattachment point. The second joint is between the first joint and thefront brake cable attachment end, and connects to a first tab on abicycle frame. There is a second link of the linkage connected to thefirst joint. There is a third link of the linkage and including a thirdjoint, a fourth joint, and a set of disc mounts for mounting a discbrake. The third joint is connected to the second link, and the fourthjoint connects to a second tab on the bicycle frame.

FIGS. 50A-50C show a sequence of side views of a rear disc brakingsystem having a mechanical linkage 5203 in another specific embodiment.FIG. 50A shows the linkage in a first position. FIG. 50B shows thelinkage in a second position. FIG. 50C shows the linkage in a thirdposition. As shown in FIG. 50A, in this specific embodiment, the linkageincludes a first link 5205A, a second link 5205B, and a third link5205C. The first link includes a joint 5210A and a joint 5210B, oppositejoint 5210A, and including mount for attaching a disc brake caliper5215. Joint 5210A may be connected to the bicycle frame. The second linkincludes a joint 5210C and a joint 5210D, opposite joint 5210C andconnecting the third link. Joint 5210C may include a mount for attachingthe disc brake caliper. The third link includes a joint 5210E and an end5220. Joint 5210E may be connected to the bicycle frame. End 5220 of thethird link may be connected to an end of a front brake cable.

In a specific embodiment, the actuation of the rear brake causes thedisc caliper to move as indicated by arrow 5230 (FIG. 52B). Inparticular, the first link rotates 5235 about joint 5210A. The thirdlink rotates 5240 about joint 5210E. As shown in FIG. 50C, end 5220 onthe third link at which an end of the front brake cable may be securedmoves in a direction 5245 to actuate the front brake such as by pullingthe connected front brake cable.

In a specific embodiment, a device includes a first link of a linkageand including a first joint and a first disc mount, opposite the firstjoint, to mount a disc brake. The first joint connects to a first tab ona bicycle frame. There is a second link of the linkage and including asecond joint, and a third joint, opposite the second joint. The secondjoint includes a second disc mount to mount the disc brake, and thethird joint connects to a second tab on the bicycle frame. There is athird link of the linkage connected to the third joint and includes afourth joint and a front brake cable attachment end. The fourth jointconnects to a second tab on the bicycle frame.

FIGS. 51A-51C show a sequence of side views of a rear disc brakingsystem having a braking assembly or system 5303 that allows the disccaliper to move in a linear direction in another specific embodiment.FIG. 51A shows the system in a first position. FIG. 51B shows the systemin a second position. FIG. 51C shows the system in a third position. Asshown in FIG. 51A, in this specific embodiment, a braking assembly 5305includes a set of disc mounts 5310A and 5310B for attaching the assemblyto disc tabs of the bicycle frame. The assembly further includes asliding carrier 5315 upon which a disc brake caliper 5320 is mounted.The sliding carrier may travel along a track or rail of the brakingassembly.

In a specific embodiment, the actuation of the rear brake causes thedisc caliper to move in a linear direction as indicated by arrow 5330(FIGS. 51B and C). An end of the front brake cable may be attached anend portion of the sliding carrier so that the front brake cable can bepulled by the sliding carrier, thus actuating the front brake.

In a specific embodiment, a device includes a first set of mounts forattaching to a bicycle frame, and a carrier including a second set ofmounts for attaching a rear disc brake caliper. The carrier translatesor slides in linear direction from a first position to a second positionto actuate a front brake when the rear disc brake caliper is actuated.

FIG. 52 shows a side view of a rear disc braking system that may bereferred to as a floating caliper braking assembly. In this specificembodiment, an assembly 5405 includes a first structure 5410 and asecond structure 5415. The first structure includes a set of mounts 5420to attach the assembly to a bicycle frame and adjustable settings 5425.The second structure includes a set of mounts 5430 for attaching a discbrake caliper 5435.

In this specific embodiment, the actuation of the rear brake causes thesecond structure to move relative to the first structure. The movementmay include a translation, rotation, or both. An end of the front brakecable may be secured to a portion of the second structure so that thefront brake may be actuated. In a specific embodiment, the secondstructure on which the caliper is attached moves into a guide that maybe on the first structure. For example, the guide may include a channel,track, or groove on the first structure through which a portion of thesecond structure passes. The shape of the channel helps to direct themovement of the caliper. The channel may be curved or curvilinear. Theremay be a stop on the first structure, second structure, or both thatlimits the movement.

FIG. 53 shows a side view of a rear disc braking system in anotherspecific embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 53, a brakingsystem 5505 includes a first structure 5510A and a second structure5510B that moves relative to the first structure. The second structuremay be rotatably connected 5507 to the first structure. The firststructure includes a set of holes for attaching the system to a seatstay 5515 of the bicycle frame.

The second structure includes a set of mounts 5520 and a front brakecable attachment point 5525. Mounts 5520 allow for attaching a discbrake caliper. The front brake cable attachment point may include a slotand a hole. An end of the front brake cable may be received in the hole.For example, the end of the cable may terminate as a lug, nipple, orbarrel that can be inserted into the hole. A portion of the cable canthen pass through the slot.

When the rear brake is actuated, an end of the second structure havingthe disc brake caliper moves in a direction as indicated by an arrow5530. An opposite end of the second structure having the attached frontbrake cable end moves in a direction as indicated by an arrow 5535. Themovement of the second structure pulls the front brake cable to actuatethe front brake.

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of a rear disc braking system inanother specific embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 54, abraking system 5605 includes a first structure 5610A and a secondstructure 5610B that moves relative to the first structure. This brakingsystem is similar to the braking system shown in FIG. 53. In thisspecific embodiment, however, the braking system is mounted on theinside of the rear bicycle triangle whereas in FIG. 53, the brakingsystem is mounted on the outside of the rear bicycle triangle.

The first structure includes a front brake cable housing stop 5620having a socket and first slot. The second structure includes a frontbrake cable attachment point 5625 having a hole and a second slot. Thesocket receives an end of the front brake cable housing and the frontbrake cable passes through the first slot, through the second slot, andterminates in the hole provided by the front brake cable attachmentpoint. Arrows 5630 and 5635 indicate the movement of the secondstructure when the rear disc brake is actuated to pull the front brakecable and actuate the front brake.

FIG. 55 shows a side view of a rear disc braking system in anotherspecific embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 55, a brakingsystem 5705 includes a first structure 5710A and a second structure5710B. The first structure is connected to the bicycle frame. The firststructure includes a front brake cable housing stop 5715 to secure thecable housing.

The second structure includes a linkage including a first link 5720, asecond link 5725, and a third link 5730. An end of the first linkincludes a front brake cable attachment point 5735 from which the cablemay be pulled. There is a joint on the first link that connects thefirst link to the first structure. An opposite end of the first linkincludes a joint that connects to the third link to which the disc brakecaliper is attached. The first link includes a curved portion that atleast partially curves around a central axis of the rear hub. The secondlink includes a joint that connects to the third link. An opposite endof the second link may include a joint connecting to the firststructure. The joint may include a slot 5740 that allows some lateralcaliper movement. In a specific embodiment, the slot is on the secondlink. In another specific embodiment, the slot is on the firststructure.

It should be appreciated that the various braking designs shown in thefigures are merely examples of particular implementations of the brakingsystem. In other implementations, other similar and equivalent elementsand functions may be used or substituted in place of what is shown. Forexample, for the floating caliper design as described in the discussionaccompanying FIG. 52 above, the channel is formed within the firststructure, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thechannel may instead be formed within the second structure. In thisspecific embodiment, the first structure may include a tab thatprotrudes into the channel on the second structure to direct themovement of the caliper. A rotating mechanism or sliding mechanism mayinclude bearings, bushings, pulleys, or combinations of these.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes components,methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depictedand described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations,and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how tomake and use the present disclosure after understanding the presentdisclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includesproviding devices and processes in the absence of items not depictedand/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including inthe absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices orprocesses, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/orreducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the flowing claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoingdisclosed embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a rear brake comprisinga guide and a brake pad; a hydraulic cylinder filled with hydraulicfluid; a piston configured to move within the hydraulic cylinder; aslide assembly coupled to the brake pad and a piston rod attached to thepiston; hydraulic tubing filled with the hydraulic fluid, the hydraulictubing fluidically coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and a front brake;wherein the brake pad of the rear brake is configured to be pressedagainst a rotating rear rim of a rear wheel upon actuation, creating afriction force between the rear rim and the brake pad, causing the slideassembly to move forward within a groove of the guide and the piston tomove within the hydraulic cylinder such that the front brake slows arotation of a front wheel due to a pressure of the hydraulic fluid inthe hydraulic tubing.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: alubricious material between the slide assembly and the guide.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear brake is configured to becontrolled by a rear brake actuator comprising a rear brake hand lever.4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a slide portion of the sliderassembly moves within the groove and the brake pad is adjacent to thegroove.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the groove has a T-shapedcross section.
 6. An apparatus comprising: a rear brake comprising aguide and a brake pad; a hydraulic cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid;a piston configured to move within the hydraulic cylinder; a slideassembly coupled to the brake pad and a piston rod attached to thepiston; hydraulic tubing filled with the hydraulic fluid, the hydraulictubing fluidically coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and the frontbrake; wherein the brake pad of the rear brake is configured to bepressed against a rotating rear disk brake rotor coupled to a rear wheelupon actuation, creating a friction force between the rear disk brakerotor and the brake pad, causing the slide assembly to move forwardwithin a groove of the guide and the piston to move within the hydrauliccylinder such that the front brake slows a rotation of a front wheel dueto a pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic tubing.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a lubricious material betweenthe slide assembly and the guide.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinthe front brake comprises an actuator comprising a cable.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein the rear brake is configured to becontrolled by a rear brake actuator, the rear brake actuator comprisinga rear brake hand lever.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a slideportion of the slider assembly moves within the groove in the guide andthe brake pad is adjacent to the groove.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the groove has a T-shaped cross section.